The second consultation event held in the municipality of Banovići: One step closer to the Transition Plan

During the second consultation meeting held in Banovići, a detailed overview of short-term activities, part of the Operational Plan for the sustainable transition vision for 2025-2027, was presented. These short-term activities aim to contribute to the fulfilment of the Vision for Banovići municipality by 2050, which was defined in November 2023 by various stakeholders, including representatives from local government, public companies, the non-governmental sector, the academic community, and the private sector.

The consultation meeting was opened by Bego Gutić, the Mayor of Banovići Municipality. He emphasized that BiH SuTra is essentially a mandate from the European Union (EU) to local authorities. "If we want to be full and equal members of the EU and part of the European family, we must fulfil the obligations brought by a just transition as a state and as a local community," said Gutić. The Mayor invited all attendees to actively participate in defining the Operational Plan, which is part of Banovići Municipality's Transition Plan.

Bego Gutić, the Mayor of Banovići Municipality. Photo: Rizvić Print.

To better air quality through district heating

One of the five development pathways, decarbonization (energy, climate, and sustainable transport), was a key focus during the consultation meeting. This pathway targets key sources of carbon dioxide emissions.

"The sources of carbon dioxide emissions can include the heating systems in residential and public buildings, commercial and industrial enterprises, and public lighting, where we have significant potential for improving energy efficiency. During today's discussion, we learned that Banovići Municipality is already making significant efforts in this area. Decarbonization also involves the transport sector, focusing on smart solutions, particularly in public transport, and encouraging the use of non-motorized means of transport such as cycling and walking. Additionally, there is a connection with the tourism sector, where tourism potentials should be leveraged to develop tourism through non-motorized modes of transport," explained Prof. Dr. Azrudin Husika from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Sarajevo, an expert in decarbonization.

Prof. Dr. Azrudin Husika from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Sarajevo, an expert in decarbonization. Photo: Foto Tomić, Bijeljina.

He added that financial mechanisms are essential for implementing activities: "We need to create models of financial stimulation for energy efficiency in buildings, public lighting, and small and medium-sized enterprises, to move towards our set goals." The Municipality of Banovići plays a crucial role in providing information to citizens and entrepreneurs about available financing methods or other benefits, such as technical assistance for project preparation. "We heard from one participant that the Municipality can assist in preparing applications because smaller companies lack the funds and resources necessary for this, highlighting the Municipality's key role," added Husika.

The district heating system garnered special interest at the meeting. Banovići has an existing district heating system that currently uses coal. "However, Banovići Municipality faces the challenge of switching to another fuel. While coal is financially advantageous because it comes from a local mine, other options include wood chips or other forms of wood biomass, and geothermal energy. This must be coupled with improving building energy efficiency to enable the use of geothermal energy and potentially solar energy with thermal energy storage. Therefore, a study is necessary to assess heating needs, both within the current scope and more broadly, to decide whether to centralize or decentralize energy sources," concluded Husika.

Improving the position of women through the process of just transition

The BiH SuTra programme aims to integrate gender equality, social equality, and poverty (GESEP) into the transition plans of the municipalities of Banovići, Breza, Ugljevik, and the city of Živinice.

"Our goal is to improve the position of women through transition plans. We have identified many qualitative short-term measures that can be implemented without additional financial resources, particularly in education. Women often perform unpaid housework and care for the elderly and children, so providing access to education and support is crucial. Attention must also be given to energy poverty, especially among single mothers, and efforts to improve energy efficiency. Energy poverty is not just about heating during winter but also cooling, which is critical in the context of current heatwaves," said Alma Midžić, a consultant for GESEP issues, during the Banovići consultation event.

Alma Midžić, a consultant for GESEP issues. Photo: Rizvić Print.

What are the next steps?

By 1 July 2024, representatives of Banovići Municipality will submit comments on the presented activities for each development pathway, contributing to the final document, the Transition Plan for the municipality. The second draft of the Transition Plan, including financial structures, will be submitted to Banovići Municipality for review and additional comments at the end of July 2024. Subsequently, Banovići Municipality will begin defining priority activities and measures.

The transition plans for all four local self-government units (Banovići, Breza, Živinice, and Ugljevik) is a comprehensive and participatory document focused on the vision of a more sustainable society. It includes ambitious but achievable long-term (until 2050), medium-term (until 2035), and short-term (3-year) goals and measures for improving environmental and living conditions in coal-rich regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

After the municipalities of Breza and Banovići, the second round of consultation meetings will be held in Živinice (June 20, 2024) and Ugljevik (June 21, 2024).